THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, January 19, 1997 TAG: 9701180029
SECTION: COMMENTARY PAGE: J4 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 29 lines
I want to take this opportunity to congratulate the commonwealth of Virginia and the Immigration and Naturalization Service for their cooperative efforts in addressing two very important problems. (news, Jan. 1, ``INS wants welfare recipients to replace undocumented workers'').
The INS, after it raids an employer engaged in hiring illegal aliens, notifies the state of the employer's name and address, the number of job openings and type of work. The state then refers welfare recipients to fill these jobs. This will hopefully reduce the welfare rolls and stem the flood of illegal immigrants.
The illegal immigrant takes jobs from our citizens, while activist courts say these lawbreakers are entitled to medical care, education and social services. These illegal aliens, estimated by the U.S. Census Bureau in 1990 to be in excess of 4 million, send approximately $3 billion a year south of the border, according to the National Bank of Mexico; the U.S. Federal Reserve says the amount is much higher. No matter what the amount, it shows the money earned is not spent in the local economy.
It is my sincere hope that the program is a success. The taxpayer needs and deserves a break.
DONAGH McDONAUGH
Onancock, Jan. 8, 1997